Black Spruce Essential Oil: A Breath of Fresh Air

As the weather gets colder, I feel the need to use “warming” oils that can not only help me breathe better but also make me feel more energetic. A little known oil in this regard is Black Spruce. I have been quite enamored by its soft, fresh, forest-like scent and what it can do for the mind and body.

What is Black Spruce?

A member of the Pinaceae plant family, Spruce is a close cousin of firs, pines and hemlocks. There are over 40 species of Spruce but not all offer therapeutic benefits. Black Spruce (Picea mariana) is an evergreen coniferous tree native to Canada, although it also grows in some parts of Alaska and North America. It is typically found in wet, swampy regions. The sharp, bluish-green needle-like leaves of the tree are the primary source of essential oil, which is extracted through the process of steam distillation. Black Spruce essential oil has a much milder, sweeter scent compared to other oils from the evergreen family.

Black Spruce Essential Oil: Uses in Aromatherapy

Historically, Lakota Americans have used Black Spruce for healing wounds and muscular pain. It was also an important part of their spiritual rituals because of its purifying and cleansing properties. In Europe, Black Spruce was used to treat gingivitis and stomach infections.

Black Spruce essential oil has a high content of esters, which contributes to its balancing and antispasmodic properties. This is why it is often added to saunas, hot baths and massages. However, the most remarkable quality of Black Spruce is its ability to clear “blockages”, both respiratory and emotional.

Black Spruce Essential Oil for Emotional Healing

Like most woody oils, Black Spruce is grounding and stimulating at the same time. While it has a calming effect on a nervous, hyperactive individual, it energizes someone who is feeling lethargic and melancholic. The fresh, clean scent of Black Spruce breeds feelings of harmony and goodwill, and helps people get in touch with their true feelings by clearing emotional blocks.

The fresh, calming and restoring scent of Black Spruce comes from the rich composition of monoterpenes in the oil, which makes it an ideal oil to use during meditation and yoga. To provide a fresh, relaxing atmosphere at home, add 10 drops to your aromatherapy burner or diffuser.

Black Spruce Essential Oil for Endocrine Support

According to Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, the polycyclic terpenoid compounds in Black Spruce have a tonic effect on adrenal, thyroid and pituitary glands, thus encouraging hormonal equilibrium. The most notable are its effects on the adrenal glands, which makes it a wonderful oil to combat chronic lethargy, especially in winter months. Shirley and Len Price in their Book Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, have also documented Black Spruce’s cortisone-like action and its uses in the management of hyperthyroidism.

For adrenal support, mix a few drops of Black Spruce with carrier oil and massage onto your lower back.

Black Spruce Essential Oil for Respiratory Problems

Black Spruce’s expectorant, antitussive and disinfectant properties make it helpful to support the respiratory system. In a class I took with Gabriel Mojay, I learned that Black Spruce tones and regulates Lung-Qi, and the high level of monoterpenes help strengthen the body’s natural defenses. It can help relieve tightness of chest and difficulty in breathing.

To clear bronchial congestion, add 2 drops in hot water, cover head with a towel and inhale the vapors. Alternatively, you can add 5 drops to a washcloth and place it on your chest while taking a warm shower.

Black Spruce Essential Oil for Muscular and Rheumatic Pains

As an analgesic and rubefacient, Black Spruce supports blood flow to tired muscles and soothes muscular pain. It is often used in liniments, aerosols or with carrier oils in massage.

For tired muscles and sore joints, combine 5 drops of Black Spruce with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. Massage the affected area twice a day.

Black Spruce Essential Oil for Urinary Tract Support

Black Spruce is believed to have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antispasmodic properties that can help keep the genito-urinary system healthy.

Combine 5 drops in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil and massage across lower back and abdomen.

Black Spruce is non-toxic, but refrigerate it in a dark, airtight container to prevent oxidation.

This information is based on traditional use of aromatherapy and it does not intend to diagnose or treat any condition. This information should not be used as a substitute for medical counseling with a health care professional. No part of this article may be reproduced in whole or in part without the explicit written permission of Aromandina.

Born and raised in the Ecuadorian capital, Quito, Cristina's memories are always related to the scents of her homeland. A professional Aromatherapist since 1994, Cristina received her Complementary Health Education Diploma in Aromatherapy in 1997 from the Kevala Center in the U.K., and advanced her studies in 1998 when she took the International Training Program in Essential Oils at Purdue University in Indiana.
Cristina has more than 14 years of experience formulating aromatherapy products for the spa, fitness and hospitality industry and speaking with North and South American audiences on television and radio as well as in seminars and workshops.
She is eager to share her successful experience and the therapeutic values of her homeland's pure healing ingredients.